This document provides a lengthy checklist of tasks to prepare a home for sale, including cleaning both interior and exterior surfaces, decluttering, depersonalizing spaces, addressing any maintenance issues, and organizing. Some key tasks mentioned are power washing and painting the exterior, cleaning windows, floors and appliances, decluttering cabinets and closets, removing personal items from display, ensuring good traffic flow, and making the home smell fresh. The goal is to make the home clean, well-maintained, and appealing to potential buyers in order to sell the home faster.

1. q Pack. Donate. Sell. Toss. Repeat.
q Sweep Driveway and Walkway.
q Mow lawn and trim any over-grown hedges/shrubs/trees.
q Add fresh mulch around trees, flowers, shrubs.
q Clean/paint mailbox and post—it’s the first thing buyers will see. Plant flowers
and cover with fresh mulch or keep lawn neatly trimmed around the post.
q Power-wash home’s exterior if mildew or grime is evident.
q Repair/replace roof: If shingles show excessive wear—broken or cupping—
consider replacing.
q Repair or paint exterior: If home has obvious wood rot on corner boards, facia
boards, rake boards or window trim, consider having them repaired and repainted.
q Sweep/wash Front Porch and make porch furniture look welcoming.
q Decorate main entrance: Provide something of interest on your front porch or stoop;
healthy seasonal plants or wreath/artwork.
q Clean front door and repaint if looks faded or full of scratches, scuffs, etc.
q Ensure that the home smells clean and fresh.
q Deodorize! If there are pets in the home, buyers shouldn’t find out the moment they
walk in! Smelling pets is a BIG turn-off to potential buyers. If carpets are soiled, have
them professionally cleaned, replaced or removed.
q De-clutter! Less is definitely MORE! Remove extra furniture so rooms look spacious
and there’s easy traffic flow. Remove most personal photos from walls and tables,
leave tasteful wall art only. (The less distractions to prospective buyers the better.)
q Vacuum carpets—have them professionally cleaned if needed. If they’re obviously
worn, consider replacing (using neutral tones only).
q Clean tile floors; remove stains from grout.
q Refinish hardwood flooring if excessively worn.
q Repaint: Considering interior painting if walls and woodwork are in obvious need
of painting, patching, touch-ups or re-caulking—but be sure to do so properly:
removing light switches, face plates, door knobs, etc.
q Clean all trim and doors: Wipe with a damp cloth (use a little baking soda on the
cloth to remove the more stubborn stains/marks.)
q Clean cabinets and countertops. It’s time to de-clutter cabinets too: Pack, donate,
sell or toss. Buyers want to see that there’s room for all their stuff.
q Pack or hide small appliances that don’t need to be displayed daily (blenders,
coffee grinders, toaster ovens, etc).
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2. q Decorate the countertop or kitchen island with something colorful and of interest:
A bowl of fruit, decorative plate or glass vase, etc.
q Wipe down all appliances—removing stains and fingerprints. Take down ALL
refrigerator art/magnets/lists, etc...Just Do It!
q Clean stovetop and oven(s). (Yes, buyers look inside.)
q Clean stove exhaust fans of any dust or grease buildup.
q Hide sponges and dish towels; clean and wipe all sinks and faucets so there’s no
water spots.
q Remove window screens if possible—brightness sells.
q Wash windows and sills until they shine (repair, replace, re-paint if needed).
q Pull-back drapes, open all blinds and roll up all shades.
q Clean HVAC returns and install new filters.
q Leave lights on when Showings are scheduled (if possible).
q De-clutter all closets—the neater the better. Pack. Donate. Sell. Toss. (Just do it!
Extra points: Have all hangers the same color (white is good) and make clothes
equally spaced (looks amazing!) Hang pants by the hems using same type of hanger.
q Organize Kitchen Pantry. It’s time to use-up your extra inventory where possible.
q Dust and fluff sofas and chairs; arrange pillows, neatly fold throws/blankets or place
organically according to your decor.
q Walk through the house as a buyer would to ensure that no furniture is preventing
good traffic flow. (No chairs/tables to squeeze by to get to a room or closet.)
q Neatly arrange any remaining magazines/books; put remotes away. Everything’s
organized. Fewer distractions allows buyers to see and appreciate the rooms more!
q Wipe all ceiling fans and their blades to remove dust.
q Dust the entire home—from ceiling corners to floor corners.
q Wipe light switches and doors of finger prints—especially near doorknobs and locks.
q Wipe all light fixtures and exposed light bulbs. Ensure that they all work.
q Clean Bathroom tubs/showers and void of mildew. Re-caulk if needed (if DIYing
keep it looking professional.)
q Make beds neatly and keep items off the floor (laundry, slippers, toys).
q Carefully fold bathroom towels—place new ones for Showings if possible.
q Close all toilet lids. (Of course they are sparkling clean inside and out.)
q Prep Rear Yard, Deck and Patio to look inviting and uncluttered. Power wash the
Deck (re-stain if needed). Replace any broken wood members; reset screws/nails.
q Ensure that the Crawl Space (or Basement) is dry, clean and accessible.
q Repair, re-stain or re-paint Fences if needed.
q Sweep/vacuum Garage floor, steps and any rugs/mats. The more organized, clean
and spacious looking, the better.
q Wipe down all handrails so they are feeling smooth and clean.
q You’re DONE— Great job! Good luck selling your beautiful home!
A clean and well-maintained home is what you are striving for.
It’s what buyers want to see. It’s what gets your home SOLD faster.
©2019 NewStone Realty